Jets Set for Big Promotional Weekend
November 9, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) The Fargo-Moorhead Jets will attempt to set a new single-game franchise attendance record on Sunday Nov. 14 when they host the Billings Bulls at 7:30pm. Fans will be treated to what is being billed as "Neighbor's Night" and is in conjunction with the team's promotional campaign "Operation Hello."
For two weeks in late October, Jets' players went door-to-door around the Fargo-Moorhead area visiting 1,000 homes. The goal being to entice fans to come out to more games, and encourage new people to give a game a try. Neighbor's Night will be a celebration of the Jets role in the community.
The whole game will have a "Neighborly" feel to it. Players will greet all fans at the door as they enter, and as people leave, they will be given a special treat, unusual to the minor league promotional world.
Thanks to the generosity of the Jets' Booster Club, fans in attendance will be handed a fresh homemade baked good (ie, cookies and brownies) after the game.
"We would be happy to get 1,000 fans, excited if we draw 1,500, and downright giddy is we bring in 2,000" said Scott Montesano the team's Director of Media Relations. The Jets previous single-game franchise high was around 1,400 fans for their Feb. 7 game last season against Billings.
Already this season, the Jets have seen a slight rise in attendance. Through the team's first six home games, the Jets have drawn an average of 606 fans. While attendance figures from last season are unavailable, estimates last season have Jets' crowds at around 400-500 for many of the games prior to January.
"There has been more of an emphasis placed on group sales, and advanced sales, which are the back-bone of any successful minor league franchise" added Montesano. Last season, attendance dipped in November and December, and that is something that won't happen this year because we already have large groups scheduled to buoy the crowds back to the average.
While the game will be important off-the-ice, if will also hold significance on the ice as well. The Jets are currently in a three-way tie for second place in the North American Hockey League's West Division with 21 points. Meanwhile, sparked by a seven game win streak, the Billings Bulls lead the West with 24 points.
In addition to the Jets home game Sunday night, they are also home Saturday night versus Bismarck at 7:00pm. Fans in attendance will be given limited edition Jets' key rings. The giveaway is one of many the Jets' have planned for the remainder of the home schedule.
The Jets begin the weekend, with a road game on Friday night at 7pm versus the Minnesota Blizzard in Alexandria.
The FM Jets are in their second season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 29th year of operation. For more information, fans may call (701) 235-2354 or visit fmjets.com
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on STAR 103.9.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 9, 2004
- Minnesota Blizzard weekly summary - Alexandria Blizzard
- Jets Set for Big Promotional Weekend - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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